Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a striking bulb with starry white flowers blooming May-June. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Star of Bethlehem, scientifically known as Ornithogalum umbellatum, is a captivating bulbous perennial prized for its delicate, starry white flowers that appear in late spring. These resilient plants bring a bright accent to the garden just as many early spring bulbs fade. While visually lovely, gardeners must remember that Ornithogalum umbellatum spreads readily and requires a carefully selected placement where its wandering nature will not impede other plantings.
Growing to modest heights, this species features narrow, grass-like foliage that often begins to decline as the flower stalks emerge. The flowers themselves are a brilliant white, distinctively striped green on the exterior, and exhibit a charming behavior of opening near noon and closing near sunset or during overcast days. Due to its vigorous naturalizing tendency, the Star of Bethlehem is best reserved for wilder areas or lawns rather than manicured flower beds.
This bulb is relatively low-maintenance once established, thriving in average garden conditions, though its aggressive spread is a key management consideration. Successful cultivation hinges on choosing areas where its spreading bulbils are welcome, allowing it to colonize meadows or woodland margins effectively.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Native Range: Europe, northern Africa, Middle East
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Ornithogalum umbellatum bulbs should be planted with the tip pointing upward, approximately 2 to 3 inches deep, preferably in the fall. They flourish best when situated in moist, fertile, well-drained soils, though they possess some tolerance for drier conditions once they are fully established in the landscape. Full sun to light afternoon shade provides the optimal environment for prolific blooming.
Water needs are medium during the active growing and blooming phase in spring. Avoid heavy watering or overly moist ground through late summer, as the plants go dormant and excess moisture at this time can lead to bulb rot. Fertilization is rarely required if planted in fertile soil, focusing instead on providing good drainage.
Maintenance involves appreciating the display in late spring and then allowing the foliage to naturally die back after blooming ceases; do not cut the leaves back prematurely. Propagation is straightforward, involving the seasonal excavation of bulbs, removing the offsets (bulbils), and replanting them immediately to maintain their numbers. This process explains the plant’s ability to aggressively self-propagate and naturalize.
Landscape Uses
The primary recommendation for Star of Bethlehem is to let it naturalize freely across large areas of the landscape. It performs wonderfully when naturalized in grass, allowing its starry blooms to dot the lawn in late spring before mowing resumes its standard schedule. Ornithogalum umbellatum also blends effectively into shrub borders, ephemeral spring meadows, or along woodland margins where it can spread without competition from formal plantings.
It is crucial to avoid planting Ornithogalum umbellatum in formal garden designs, rock gardens, or tight perennial borders. The plant’s tendency to multiply via bulbils and self-sown seedlings means it can quickly overwhelm less vigorous neighbors if not contained or deliberately situated in an area where aggressive spread is permissible (and legally appropriate, given its noxious weed status in some regions like Alabama).
When sited correctly, its early bloom provides valuable spring interest. Consider companion planting with later-blooming perennials that can fill the void as the Ornithogalum umbellatum foliage begins to yellow and die back later in the summer.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ornithogalum umbellatum, commonly known as star of Bethlehem, is a bulbous perennial that is native to the Mediterranean region. Narrow, semi-erect, grass-like, linear leaves (to 12”) grow in a basal clump to 6-12” tall. Each flower stem bears 10-20 starry white flowers often striped green on the outside, which open near noon and close at sunset. The genus name originates from Greek words meaning bird and milk, referencing the white flowers.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
The Star of Bethlehem generally avoids serious insect or disease issues, offering good resilience in the garden. The primary cultivation hazard is bulb rot, which occurs specifically in poorly drained soil conditions, especially when the plants are subjected to heavy late-summer rains while in dormancy. Ensuring adequate drainage during planting is the most effective preventative measure for maintaining healthy bulb populations of Ornithogalum umbellatum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Star of Bethlehem suitable for?
The Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is wonderfully adaptable to USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Star of Bethlehem grow?
This bulbous perennial typically reaches a height between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, spreading 1 to 2 feet wide as its clumps multiply.
When does Star of Bethlehem bloom?
You can expect the white, starry flowers of Ornithogalum umbellatum to appear from May through June.
What sun exposure does Star of Bethlehem need?
For the best performance, plant Star of Bethlehem where it will receive full sun to light part shade.
Conclusion
The striking white, cup-shaped blossoms of Ornithogalum umbellatum offer undeniable ephemeral beauty in the late spring garden. While valued for its visual appeal, gardeners must responsibly site the Star of Bethlehem to manage its strong tendency to naturalize and spread. Before planting, confirm that your USDA hardiness zone falls between 4 and 9 and plan its placement in a meadow or naturalized area.
Companion Planting
When planning a spring display that integrates Star of Bethlehem, select companions whose foliage emerges later to elegantly cover the fading leaves of the Ornithogalum umbellatum after its May to June bloom. Hostas placed nearby are excellent choices, as their broad leaves will emerge to mask the yellowing foliage of the bulb. Similarly, taller ornamental grasses or late-season perennials like Coneflowers benefit from the early ground cover provided by these bulbs.
In grassy areas, where the plant is encouraged to naturalize, look for other vigorous, low-growing bulbs that share sun and moisture needs, such as hardy Grape Hyacinth (Muscari). This ensures a continuous, yet natural-looking, tapestry of early blooms across the lawn or meadow setting.
Propagation Tips
The most common and easiest method for increasing Ornithogalum umbellatum stock relies on its natural reproductive capabilities. These bulbs produce offsets, often referred to as bulbils, underground. Gardeners can propagate them by carefully digging up mature clumps in late summer after dormancy has set in. Gently separate these offsets from the main bulb, ensuring each small bulb has a viable attachment point.
Replant these separated offsets immediately at the recommended 2-3 inch depth in well-drained soil. Because Ornithogalum umbellatum readily self-sows from seed, allowing spent flowers to mature will contribute to further naturalizing in the area, although bulb division is faster for controlled propagation. Be mindful that this intentional division and replanting accelerates the plant’s spread.
